Multnomah, Anne Arundel Counties Approve $6.4B FY26 Budgets Amid Fiscal Challenges

Anne Arundel County Council unanimously approved a $2.4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, emphasizing investments in education, public safety, affordable housing, and infrastructure while lowering property tax rates. The budget allocates a record $52.28 million increase for public schools and funds new police and fire stations, addressing potential federal funding cuts. Meanwhile, Multnomah County approved a $4 billion balanced budget for FY26 amid its largest spending gap in a decade, focusing on health, homelessness aid, and public safety despite eliminating dozens of positions. The county prioritized preserving core services, including shelter beds, school mental health, and legal aid to prevent evictions, while implementing administrative cuts to manage an $85 million shortfall. Both counties demonstrated bipartisan cooperation and community engagement in crafting budgets that respond to economic uncertainties and federal funding threats. These fiscal plans reflect efforts to protect vulnerable populations and maintain essential services during challenging economic conditions.